I couldn’t let The Great Cookie Season pass without sharing my absolute favorite Christmas cookie recipe of them all: Chocolate Ginger Cookies. Soft and chewy in the centers with melty puddles of chocolate and a spirited zing of fresh ginger, these are the cookies I most look forward to every year.
I first started baking these amped-up ginger cookies in my early 20s for an annual girls’ cookie exchange my coworker Megan and I started. Newcomers to town, we surmised that an excellent way to expand our friend network would be to lure prospective candidates over with promises of chocolate, butter, and Spiced Wine. It worked.
We hosted the exchange every year we lived in the same city. While we changed up the cookie assortment each year, these Chocolate Ginger Molasses Cookies were our annual, iron-clad must make.
It’s been almost a decade (!) since I first tasted these Chocolate Ginger Cookies, and my Christmas still doesn’t feel complete without them (and Perfect Cream Cheese Cookies too). I’ve baked them for my sisters, girlfriends, and neighbors. When I receive requests for a recommendation for a stellar cookie to bring to a cookie exchange, this is the recipe I send. Everyone who tries these Chocolate Ginger Cookies loves them. They are special.
With only one week to go until Christmas (when did that happen?) today feels like the right time to share this treasure from my cache of cookie recipes. If you love warm spices, chocolate, and cozy, fuzzy feelings that make you want to cuddle around a Christmas tree, I know they’ll be a fast favorite of yours too!
The Very Best Chocolate Ginger Cookies
These Chocolate Ginger Cookies are triumphantly thick, chewy, and their spice level is spectacular.
In addition to a heavy dose of classic gingerbread spices such as cinnamon and cloves, this Chocolate Ginger Cookies recipe uses fresh ginger, which I am convinced is what makes them unquestionably superior to any other ginger molasses cookie in the cosmos. Every bite is filled with the warmth and comfort of a crackling fire on a chilly day.
The big chunks of melty dark chocolate certainly don’t hurt their superiority level either.
In case you need further endorsement, these Chocolate Ginger Molasses Cookies are approved by Martha Stewart herself. They’re the cover recipe of her exclusively cookie cookbook, Martha Stewart’s Cookies.
I’ve added my own recipe twist by swapping a portion of the regular flour for white whole wheat flour to give them a little nutritional boost. While I can’t in good faith call this recipe healthy ginger molasses cookies, I assure you that they are worth the splurge.
How to Store and Freeze These Cookies
- To Store. Store leftover baked ginger molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the refrigerator for 7 days.
- To Freeze. Place cookies in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Make Ahead. Rolled, unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
- My favorite cookie sheet
- Parchment paper sheets (the pre-cut is totally worth it!) or silicone baking mats
Whether you are looking for the perfect soft ginger cookie to add to your tray, a treat to warm you on a winter night, or something to show Santa how much you’d really, really appreciate his support, these Chocolate Ginger Cookies truly hit the spot.
Chocolate Ginger Molasses Cookies
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Ingredients
- 7 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate I used 70% dark
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg*
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup dark brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses NOT blackstrap
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Chop chocolate into rough 1/4-inch chunks (I like to use a serrated knife for maximum chunkiness). In a medium bowl, sift together the white whole what flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. (If you skip the sifting, the cocoa will be lumpy. It’s worth the extra step!)
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and grated ginger until very light, about 4 minutes. Add the brown sugar, then beat until combined. Scrape down the bowl, add the molasses, and beat until incorporated.
- Place the baking soda in a small bowl. Top with 1 1/2 teaspoons of very hot water, then stir to dissolve. Set aside.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, then beat just until most of the flour disappears. Beat in the baking soda-water mixture, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining half of the flour mixture and beat just until the flour disappears. Mix in the chocolate chunks and any chocolate “dust,” switching to a wooden spoon if needed to ensure the chunks are evenly distributed. Turn the dough out onto a large piece of plastic wrap (I used two sheets stuck together at the edges to make it larger), then pat dough into a rough circle that is 1 inch thick. Seal the dough with the wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Roll the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (they will look quite large). Place on the baking sheets and refrigerate 20 minutes.
- Once the dough balls have chilled, roll them in granulated sugar and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake until the surfaces barely begin to crack, about 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will look underdone. Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling as long as you can stand the suspense. Enjoy!
Notes
- *It's an incredible flavor upgrade to grate your own nutmeg from whole nutmeg instead of buying preground. I use this zester to do it.
- Store leftover baked ginger molasses cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the refrigerator for 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Rolled, unbaked cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Nutrition
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look at those chunks!!! they look so soft and chewy too, dying for some! xo
Now I need one too, Christine!
I have the Martha Stewart cookie cookbook and it really is a nice one – so many types to choose from. These on the cover actually convinced me that I NEEDED this book!
These cookies are super persuasive! Thanks, Chris!
These, of course, look INCREDIBLE! I have always had a soft spot for ginger cookies (although I admittedly grew up on Ginger Snaps, rather than the homemade variety). Will definitely have to try these!
PS – As much of an avid reader of your blog as I am, you’d think I would’ve said this before (or comment more in general!), but you are an amazing writer. Love all the life you bring to your food and your blog!
Thank you SO MUCH, Katherine! That is very sweet of you to say and encouraging to hear!
These remind me a lot of my favorite ginger/molasses cookies, a recipe I got from allrecipes.com, called Triple The Ginger cookies. They have powdered, fresh, and candied ginger, and are probably my all-time favorite cookie, even though I’m a chocolate addict. I’m saving this recipe, for just in case. You know, sometimes you just have to bake, whether you want to or not… If I make them I would actually probably reduce the amount of cloves, because the flavor tends to be overpowering for both my husband and me.
Those triple ginger cookies sound delicious, Susan! I hope you enjoy these cookies too if you decide to give them a try!
hey girl these look oh so divine! Right up my alley!
They’re definitely divine, Shawnna! Thanks!
These look amazing, Erin! Great combination of great flavors! Yum!!! xo
My mouth has been watering since I saw these on your blog and I’ve set aside tomorrow to bake all my Christmas cookies !Just gathered all the ingredients to make these but forgot the fresh nutmeg :( Can I use ground nutmeg and should I use the same amount? Thanks
Hi Nancy, yes, you can use ground nutmeg instead! I would use the same amount. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Hey Erin!
I’m already obsessing over these cookies and haven’t even tried them yet. I think chocolate is unjustly underrepresented in the holiday baking season–gingerbread needs chocolate too! Thanks for the inspiration. ;)
MAK
These are good – yum. Definately adding these to my Christmas cookie baking extravaganza (which appears to get bigger each year)
Lesley, you can never have too many! I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies. They are one of my favorites!
I just made these and they tasted delicious but were much darker than yours. What do you think may have cause the color variation?
Hi Ann, it could be your brand of molasses. Also, older or darker baking sheets can sometimes cause darker cookies. No matter the color, I’m glad they were yummy!
No eggs?
Hi Robin, no, there’s no egg in the recipe! I hope you enjoy the cookies.
How many people does this serve?
Hi Mikayla! The recipe makes 2 dozen cookies, so it really just depends on how many cookies you think each person will eat!
i know you said the whole wheat flour really elevates these cookies, but is it ok if i just use all-purpose ?
Hi Alisha! Yes, you can use all-purpose instead. I hope you enjoy!
I love ginger cookies but, the addition of chocolate was amazing!
I feel like that makes them, thank you Melissa! Glad you loved it too.
This is a great flavor combination! They are perfectly chewy, too.
Ginger cookies are a must for the holidays and your version with chocolate was a huge hit with my friends!!
YES GIRL! These are everything. That MELTY chocolate is giving me the feels.
I love chocolate chip cookies, but during the holidays my favorite cookie is this chocolate ginger molasses cookie. For reals, this cookie is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Such a great idea to add chocolate to a ginger cookie.
Favorite cookie at our house for the holidays!
One of my husband’s favorite cookies baked from scratch is a molasses sugar cookie that has lots of spices in it. Will definitely try this ginger cookie with the chocolate. I like the fact that you used 70% dark chocolate. Pinning this to my cookie board. Thanks for sharing this and wishing you Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a great new year ahead. Love reading your recipes and posts!
Peggy, wishing you a very Merry Christmas too. I hope you and your husband love the cookies!
The choice of the best chocolate ginger cookies for the cookie season is just right. They are really delicious when I cooked some and handed them to my friends and neighbors. You are amazing with your cookies here. Thank you so much.
my daughter just made these cookies to have for thursday, for thanksgiving, but they wont make it until then! they are insanely good. the only thing we did was roll them in demura sugar, so they are very crunchy on the outside.
a definite keep !
I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit, Ellen! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!
I can’t find unsweetened Dutch process cocoa in my town. I’m trying to make these tomorrow- can I substitute?
Kellie, the cookies will be fine with regular unsweetened cocoa powder! I hope you enjoy them!
These are unbelievably delicious! Every Christmas I just grab a bag of pre-made ginger cookies and was always OK with it. This year I couldn’t find the pre-made mix in stores and then I remembered looking at this recipe. And oh wow, I am so glad I remembered it! I made a batch last night, baked half of it and ate it all (no shame – had at least 5 or 6 late last night and a few for breakfast). Going to make more right now, and making a batch for work. These are definitely going to my favorite cookie list. Thank you for all of your delicious recipes.
Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review, Irma! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe!
What is the extra table spoon of flour for please? I want to make these tonight.
Thanks
Melissa, it’s a part of the recipe ingredients—add 1/2 cup all purpose flour, then 1 tablespoon flour on top of that. I hope you enjoy them!!
I made a batch of these and they didn’t taste quite right – something was missing. Made a second batch the next day and added 1/2 tsp salt. So much better! If you are using unsalted butter as instructed, you need to add salt to bring the flavors to their fullest potential.
Hi Sophia, thank you for taking the time to share your suggestions! I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe!
I made these yesterday afternoon, and they were incredible! Nice and chewy, extra gingery, and yummy. I used regular whole wheat flour (instead of white whole wheat), regular old semisweet chocolate chips, and added crystallized ginger pieces. They still turned out great. Thank you for creating such a special and versatile recipe!
I’m SO happy to hear that you enjoyed them, Emily! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Hi Erin, these cookies look very delicious that I’m very tempted to make them. Can I use cookie cutters for this recipe? Thanks/
Hi Cynthia! I haven’t tried using cookie cutters myself, but it should work great. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
This recipe works with cookie cutters! My son loves them! Thank you!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Cynthia! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Best cookie recipe ever!! Just made these for me and my parents and everyone loved them!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed them, Caroline! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
It just occurred to me that I fire up this recipe every year but have never left a review.
MAKE. THESE. COOKIES.
It officially smelled like Christmas at my house as these were in the oven this morning. My only regret is that I didn’t, say, quadruple the recipe. They are my very favorite Christmas cookie and a true Christmas tradition at my house now.
Jacki, this warms me to my very soul! I adore these too, and I’m so pleased they are a part of your tradition too. Thank you for taking time to leave this wonderful review!
These were amazing! The ginger caught me off guard and they almost tasted like a chocolate mint cookie. Super sweet when warm but just right after they cooled to room temperature.
WHOO HOO! I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed them, thank you for sharing!!
These were very good, even though I forgot to add the chocolate chips. How did I do that? But these cookies are good! Not too sweet, & soft & chewy. I love that they don’t have eggs cuz I generally don’t have eggs on hand.
I am so glad you enjoyed them and I bet they’ll be even yummier next time :)
These are AMAZING!! I actually skipped the circle in the fridge (for 2 hours that I didn’t have) step and went right to rolling the balls. Added a little extra ginger as well. This recipe is a keeper for sure!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the cookies, Karen! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
These are amazing!!! My Dad says, these are some of the best cookies I’ve ever made. He, and everybody else who tried them literally moaned through them. Everybody absolutely loved them. I did them in our air fryer. I set them on the bake setting for 325° F for 10 minutes. And then set to cool for the 5 minutes. When my Dad, woke up from his nap & tried them, he ate one & promptly followed it up with a second. Thanks for this recipe, it definitely a keeper.
Hi Brittany! That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for the feedback on the air fryer!
I made these cookies last night and while they are good, it seems like the 1.5″ balls were too big to cook and took double the time. The pre-cut dark chocolate chunks I used didn’t melt enough like the photo, so they are not as good as I thought they would be. I think it needs more ginger and less cocoa powder — or I may just leave out the cocoa powder altogether as it seems to negate the ginger flavor. I will have to make the balls smaller next time and flatten them a little so they cook in 12 minutes, not 24. Not sure if I will make them again.
I’m so sorry that the recipe didn’t come out for you, Diane. It’s hard to know what went wrong without being in the kitchen with you. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not have it work out, so I truly wish you would have enjoyed this.
I can’t wait to try these this year! What are your suggestions if I’m only able to use ground ginger and nutmeg as opposed to fresh? Thanks!
Hi Carolena! You can use ground ginger and nutmeg. You will have to change the amount of ginger, it would be 1/4 teaspoon. The flavor may not come out exactly as the original since fresh ginger and nutmeg gives the cookies an incredible flavor upgrade. Hope you enjoy them!
The finished batter was very dry going into the refrigerator to chill.
I’m so sorry you had trouble with this recipe, Sherri. I know it’s frustrating to try a new recipe and not have it turn out. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed them, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too! It’s hard to say what went wrong without being in the kitchen with you.
There really are no eggs in these cookies? I found the dough to be dry and hard to form into balls. They also required longer cool time on the the cookie sheet before I could handle them. The chocolate smeared everywhere. They are delicious!
Hi Loretta! You are correct, there are no eggs in these cookies. I’m sorry you had trouble with this recipe!
I don’t have any white whole wheat flour. Can I use all purpose flour instead? So excited to try these!
Hi Erin! Yes that should work! Hope you enjoy them!
I made these tonight for our family Christmas gathering. I found the dough rather dry, but added about 2 more Tbsp of molasses and water and it came together better. I used a 95% dark chocolate bar (a gift I knew would need to go with something sweet!). They turned out great! Smell so wonderful while baking with a nice ginger-chocolate flavor. Can’t wait to share them!
Hi Diana! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and your feedback!
These are my favorite cookies too! Made them as gifts a few times now drizzled with white or dark chocolate (or both!) and topped with little smidgens of crystallized ginger. Looks a little snazzy and highlights the great flavors already there. The whole recipe is a bit fussy but totally worth the effort. Thank you!
Hi DeeAnne! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Love this cookie. More importantly, my husband loves it and he’s not a big ginger fan. I did make a couple of changes based on personal preference.
I used 1/2 dark semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 milk chocolate chips. I also added 1/2 tsp of salt since the recipe used unsalted butter. On half the cookies, I finely chopped crystallized ginger and sprinkled it on top. I love the soft chewy center with the crispy sugar crust. Will definitely be a favorite in this house.
Hi Julie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Just made the dough but realized there is no egg in the recipe. Is that right? No egg?
Hi Linda, that’s correct, there is no egg in these cookies. Hope you enjoy them!
Wow these are simply incredible I followed this recipe to the T – outstanding just had 5 with my tea. Oops…
Yum! :) Thanks Kim!
Delicious!! My family can’t get enough of them. Loved the ginger-chocolate combination. Another great recipe from Erin♥️
So great to hear! Thank you Suzanne!